Spring may be around the corner but all the same any attempt at dress-wearing must be approached sensibly . . . with accessories that will guard against frostbite but at the same time not look as though you are trying to accessorise a beach outfit with a hat and scarf.

Winter can be a creatively stifling time for the everyday wardrobe because no matter what clever outfits you put together, they are inevitably shrouded in a heavy overcoat.

This is where the tea-dress comes in. It's a fantastic design usually characterised by a defined waistline and knee-length skirt and one that can be worn 12 months of the year.

Traditionally worn by polite ladies while sipping tea, it was considered daywear only but with a modern twist it is something that could be worked into a midweek evening outfit.

The best thing about the range of tea dresses on display currently is that they are so colourful . . . the perfect antidote for the winter weary wardrobe . . . and are therefore easily teamed up with cardigans and tights until the sun comes out in a few weeks' (months') time.

Accessorise with neutral shades and if you are very concerned about appearing to wear a summer dress in the heart of winter, black opaque tights can usually solve this dilemma.

Topshop has the best selection of all the high street stores and their dresses are in a myriad of colours and styles to suit all shapes and sizes. The wide-skirted '50s-style print dresses are particularly flattering, they are belted and tie into a bow at the back enhancing the waist and elongating the silhouette.